Raheem Sterling has blocked out the haters and credits Pep Guardiola for his resurgence

RAHEEM STERLING admits he has stopped reading criticism of his performances on social media.

The Manchester City player had to endure vitriolic abuse after England’s Euro 2016 flop in the summer and during a disappointing first season at the Etihad following his £44m move from Liverpool.

And he admits it had a negative effect on his confidence.

But Sterling, 21, says his rejuvenation this season is down to his decision to turn a deaf ear to flak from fans and media - and also thanks to the encouragement he has received from new boss Pep Guardiola.

“I block that [the criticism] out and simply play football now,” he said. “That’s it. I never listen to that.

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“Before, every time you take a stroll, you’d be on your phone, on your app, being nosy to see what people are saying when you see your name.

“Now I don’t pay it any mind, I simply leave it alone.”

Sterling – who was voted the Premier League’s player of the month for August - believes much of the criticism was unfair and he was made a scapegoat for below-par performances by his club and country.

He added: “I got a lot of criticism last year which I thought was a bit unfair and it does get you down a bit. People don’t recognise you or see how you’re willing to work hard, to do better for your country and club. At times it’s a little bit frustrating.

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Raheem Sterling has decided to stop taking notice of harsh criticism on social media

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“It was a learning curve for me last season. But I equalled my best scoring total last season and the two games where I really made my mark last season came in the Champions League [he scored one in the 3-1 away win against Seville and two at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.]”

Sterling said he received a massive boost when Guardiola rang him during a low point in the Euros to give him his personal vote of confidence.

He added: “Pep coming in was a massive help and for him to be on the phone to me before I even met him was a massive boost.

“He said he always liked my football and had watched me at Liverpool. To hear stuff like that made me go away and think and come back and work harder than ever.”

As for what Guardiola has done on the training ground he said: “He just makes it simple and tells you how it is, exactly what he wants from you, where he wants you on the pitch.

“The rest is down to you. There is not a much better feeling for a player than that - to make the game simple.

“To have someone like that, who has done it at the highest level, is a great bonus. It’s always good to be on a good run and have confidence in yourself."